This year’s national Black History theme is “Black Resistance.” Black people have resisted and fought against oppression for centuries. Resistance is more than sit-ins, street protests, and boycotts. Black people also resist systemic racism, stereotypes, and race-based violence through education, entrepreneurship, arts and culture, athletics and health, and so much more. As forces seek to bury our contributions to society, deny oppressive and exploitative systems, and minimize brutality against black people, Black History Month is a time for us to remember, learn, and celebrate within our community, with our allies, and our friends to come.

Here are books showing black children as main characters. Some books show children’s perspectives on speaking out for change and calling for justice. Other books show children being strong and brave as they work together. Take a look and see if you can find a new book to read and share today.  

Ages 0-3

Hey Black Child. (Author: Useni Eugene Perkins. Illustrator: Bryan Collier.) This classic poem resists classic stereotypes and helps children see that they can follow their dreams and be anything. 

Woke Baby. (Author: Mahogany L. Browne. Illustrator: Theodore Taylor III.) This book celebrates being empowered while being a baby.

Your Special Voice. (Author: Temi Adamolekun. Illustrator: Keisha Okafor.) Children learn to use their own special voice to make a difference in the world.

I Affirm Me. (Author: Nyasha Williams. Illustrator: Sóf’ya Glushkó.) This alphabet book inspires black children and helps them understand their power. Great book for 1- 5 year-old children.

Ages 4-8

Sarah Rising. (Author: Ty Chapman. Illustrator: DeAnn Wiley) A little girl is scared by what she sees at a protest, but learns the meaning of having a community and how they keep each other safe.

Black is a Rainbow Color. (Author: Angela Joy. Illustrator: Ekua Holmes) Even though black is not a color in a rainbow, a little girl shows how important black culture is to our world. 

The Kindest Red. (Author: Ibtihaj Muhammad & S.K. Ali. Illustrator: Hatem Aly) On picture day, a little girl shares her dream of wanting a kind world and shares how her classmates all help one another spread kindness on their big day.

The Me I Choose to Be. (Author: Natasha Tarpley. Art: Regis & Kahran Bethencourt) Black children see their potential and the many possibilities for their futures.

The Queen of Kindergarten. (Author: Derrick Barnes. Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley-Newton) A confident and empowered girl has a fantastic first day of kindergarten and shows how her queenly duties help her stay strong, learn, and share her talents with others. See also, The King of Kindergarten (Author: Derrick Barnes. Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley-Newton)

Change Sings. (Author: Amanda Gorman. Illustrator: Loren Long) A little girl sings her song of change, shows us how to make change while building a band, and calls us all to action.

We Are Here. (Author: Tami Charles. Illustrator: Bryan Collier.) A little girl sees how historical leaders paved the way forward for her to become the very best of those who came before her.

Get Up, Stand Up. (Author: Cedella Marley. Illustrator: John Jay Cabuay) This book illustrates the Bob Marley song and shows how a girl goes to school and fights back against acts of teasing and injustice.

Who Are Your People? (Author: Bakari Sellers. Illustrator: Reggie Brown) Black children stand on the shoulders of their ancestors and community in order to learn and thrive for the future.

Lubaya’s Quiet Roar. (Author: Marilyn Nelson. Illustrator: Philemona Williamson.) Lubaya, a quiet girl, creates vivid drawings on the back of protest signs and shows you don’t have to have the loudest voice to have a powerful impact on the world.

Show the World! (Author: Angela Dalton. Illustrator: Daria Peoples) This book encourages children to know their potential, use their voices, and show the world what they can do.

Goodnight Racism. (Author: Ibram X. Kendi. Illustrator: Cbabi Bayoc) Delivering important messages about antiracism, justice, and equality while recognizing that children from different backgrounds look up at the moon and dream at night.

My Doctor Looks Like Me. (Author Dr. Emily D. Woolcock. Illustrator: Sanjay Vijayaverl) After his friends laugh at him for his dream of becoming a doctor, a little boy meets his new doctor who looks just like him and learns that his dream is indeed possible. (Version with a girl and woman doctor:  My Doctor Looks Like Me)

I Am You: A Book About Ubuntu. (Author: Refiloe Moahloli. Illustrator: Zinelda McDonald.) Children illustrate the southern African belief of ubuntu and show how we are all connected.

Ages 6-10

Say Their Names. (Author: Caroline Brewer. Illustrator: Adrian Brandon) Seeing the evening news and learning another name, a girl says she wants to pause her games to go out to the streets and say their names.

Woke: A Young Poet’s Call to Justice. (Author: Mahogany L. Browne. Illustrator: Theodore Taylor III.) A collection of poems where authors encourage young people to use their voices and power to fight for justice.

Your Life Matters. (Author: Chris Singleton. Illustrator: Taylor Barron) A girl and boy learn that no matter how society treats them, black leaders fought hard to help them know that their lives matter.

The People Remember. (Author: Ibi Zoboi. Illustrator: Loveis Wise) Perfect for any time of the year, this beautifully illustrated book uses the seven principles of Kwanzaa to show the history of Africans and their descendants from the continent and in the United States.

I Can Write the World. (Author: Joshunda Sanders. Illustrator: Charly Palmer) A girl wonders why the media only shares negative stories about her Bronx community instead of the beautiful ones she sees every day. She decides to become a journalist to share these stories.

Build a House. (Author: Rhiannon Giddens. Illustrator: Monica Mikai) This book powerfully illustrates the lyrics to a song written to commemorate the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth.

Want more? Please also see our recommendations for  Black History Month 2021 and  Black History Month 2022.